Sultanate of Bale
The Sultanate of Bale was a
Sultanate of Bale | |||||||
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13th cenutury–1320s | |||||||
Status | Amde Seyon of Abyssinia | 1320s | |||||
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Today part of | Bale Zone, South-Eastern Ethiopia |
History
Background
Bale was first mentioned during the rule of the Zagwe dynasty, and was described as a "mysterious province" that bordered the Islamic sultanates and provinces of Dawaro and Sharkha in the north, Adal in the east and Hadiya in the west. There was no hereditary dynasty that ruled Bale, but Islam was present in the province, as shown by the mention of "Alī", who was the ruler of Bale. Considered an isolated land, Bale was nevertheless known for its production of cotton, although its southern location limited its ability to trade.[2]
Establishment
The Bale Sultanate was founded in the 13th century by
Along with other sultanates, including
Location
It bordered the sultanates of
Demographics
The sultanate consisted of both Semitic and Cushitic speakers, and also had a presence of the Hadiya-Sidama cluster of speakers that was also present in Hadiya. Both Hadiya and Bale were dominated by Oromo clans, and Futūḥ al-Ḥabasha speaks of "sharifs and the Arabs who lived in Bale", which points to the Arab background of Bale and its population. However, there were Christian clans in Bale as well, such as Sabro, Fankal, Koiye, Daiyu and Fasil. While rulers of the sultanate of Bale were Muslims, the population of Bale consisted of adherents of indigenous religions as well as Christians, in addition to Muslims.[11]
Economy
During medieval times Bale was known for its production of cotton, while salt brought from El Kere was an important trading item.[12]
Military encounters
In 1332, the Sultanate of Bale was conquered by the Christian king of the
Fall of Bale
As a result of the wars of Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi between 1529 and 1549, and the subsequent Oromo migration from the 1540s, native Muslims lost their foothold in Bale.[14] Bale remained under the direct rule of Christian rulers, although neighbouring Muslim states continued to organize raids and military expeditions into the area - Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi was able to conquer Bale from Ethiopia, but was killed in battle in 1543. After restoring Ethiopian rule in 1549, Christian rulers maintained their rule of the province, despite the Oromo expansion that took place later in the 16th century.[13]
References
- ISBN 9781108839686.
- ISBN 978-9004184787.
- ^ I.M. Lewis (1988). Keeping the Birds at Bay in the Bay Area of Somalia (PDF).
The Haran Madare are represented in old Somali oral traditions as a branch of the saintly Walamogge lineage, descended according to the same sources, from the famous Sheikh Huseen Baliale, the patron saint of the Islamic Population of Ethiopia (Andredrewzji 1975; Braukamper 1977; Lewis 1980)
- ^ I.M. Lewis (1998). Saints and Somalis Popular Islam in a Clan-based Society.
According to sources, the Haran Madare Walamogge are direct lineal descendants (rather than affines) of the Ajuran.
- ^ Beckingham and Huntingford, Some Records, p. lxxxix. Trimingham offers the date of 1780 for Nur Husain's departure from Mogadishu.
- ISBN 9783825856717.
- ^ Beckingham and Huntingford, Some Records, p. lxxxix.
- ISBN 978-9004184787.
- ^ Islam, Ethnicity, and Conflict in Ethiopia by Terje Østebø Page 52
- ^ Islam, Ethnicity, and Conflict in Ethiopia by Terje Østebø Page 52
- ^ ISBN 978-9004184787.
- ^ Islam, Ethnicity, and Conflict in Ethiopia by Terje Østebø Page 52
- ^ a b Bahiru, Amare (2017). A history of Christianity in Bale, ca. 1890 - 1991. Jimma, Ethiopia: Jimma University. pp. 12–14.
- ISBN 978-9004218437.